William H. Farquhar Middle School, Olney, MD. Photo credit: Patrick Ross
School Health Research Library
We have curated a library of peer-reviewed scientific studies from around the world published since 2016, focusing on the school built environment and occupant health and performance. This research builds on the 2017 Schools for Health: Foundations for Student Success report released by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health that synthesizes foundational research about school indoor environmental quality impacts on students and staff.
To help translate this research into action in schools, we have compiled School Health Research Highlights to help school staff and leaders access key findings and actionable strategies on priority topics.
Displaying 441 - 450 of 680 | Export entire research library
Inverse relationship between urban green space and childhood autism in California elementary school districts
Wu, Jianyong
District-level study in California linked autism prevalence to various green space metrics; found tree canopy and grassland near roads inversely associated with autism rates.
Keywords: autism spectrum disorder, Greenness, Near-road tree canopy, Air pollution, School children
“Sow, Grow, Know, and Show”: The Impact of School Gardens on Student Self-Perception in the Mississippi Delta
Holmes, Emily A.
Mixed-methods evaluation in Mississippi Delta schools found school garden participation improved student self-perception, teamwork, leadership, and garden knowledge. No test score impact was detected, but qualitative data showed strong developmental…
Keywords: School gardens, Mississippi delta, Garden knowledge, Self-perception
Relationship between ‘‘Blue Space’’ Proximity and Children’s Weight Status, Health Behaviors, and Health-Related Quality of Life among a Sample of Regional Victorian Primary School Children
Crooks, Nic
Cross-sectional study of 1216 Australian children showed closer proximity to coastlines was linked to lower obesity odds, more physical activity, and better health-related quality of life. Blue space access may benefit child health in rural areas.
Keywords: blue space, coast, HRQoL, Nature, Physical activity, weight status
Nature contact at school: The impact of an outdoor classroom on children’s well-being
Largo-Wight, Erin
Experimental crossover study with kindergarteners showed fewer behavioral redirections and off-task behavior in outdoor classrooms. Nature contact may support improved classroom behavior and modest well-being gains.
Keywords: Nature contact intervention, outdoor classroom; green school, children
Associations of greenness surrounding schools with blood pressure and hypertension: A nationwide cross-sectional study of 61,229 children and adolescents in China
Luo, Ya-Na
Nationwide study of over 61,000 students found increased greenness around schools was linked to lower blood pressure and hypertension risk. Associations were strongest for older, urban children. Findings inform equitable school greening strategies…
Keywords: Green space, Blood pressure, Cardiovascular health, Pediatrics, Epidemiology
Residential and school greenspace and academic performance: Evidence from the GINiplus and LISA longitudinal studies of German adolescents
Markevych, Iana
This longitudinal study used greenspace metrics and school grades from German cohorts (n=2429). No consistent associations between NDVI/tree cover and academic performance were observed. Findings challenge assumptions about cognitive benefits of…
Keywords: Greenness, Green space, Grades, Learning, children, Epidemiology
Greenness around schools associated with lower risk of hypertension among children: Findings from the Seven Northeastern Cities Study in China
Xiao, Xiang
Using school-based greenness indices and BP data from 9354 children, higher NDVI was linked to lower systolic pressure and reduced odds of hypertension. Supports greening policies near schools to address cardiovascular risk in youth.
Keywords: Greenness, Blood pressure, hypertension
School neighbourhood and compliance with WHO-recommended annual N02 guideline: A case study of Greater London
Shoari, Niloofar
Bayesian spatial analysis of 2861 London schools showed traffic-related variables predict noncompliance with WHO NO2 limits; more school or neighborhood green space reduced exceedance odds. Findings support targeted environmental equity strategies.
Keywords: Air pollution, Bayesian spatial models, nitrogen dioxide, school's exposure, neighbourhood attributes
Natural Environments Near Schools: Potential Benefits for Socio-Emotional and Behavioral Development in Early Childhood
Scott, J. Taylor
Teachers rated preschoolers’ behavior across school settings with varied tree canopy and impervious surface. More natural elements predicted greater emotional regulation and social skills. Results suggest schools and planners may promote early…
Keywords: natural environment, Nature, Preschool, socio-emotional Development, problems, neighborhoods, Exposure, Behavior
Is Brief Exposure to Green Space in School the Best Option to Improve Attention in Children?
Anabitarte, Asier
Crossover trial in four schools used the Attention Network Test to assess attention in 167 students after exposure to green vs. grey spaces; results did not support the hypothesis that green space improved attentional performance.
Keywords: Attention network test, Natural spaces, Mental health, Reml